City & Guilds Accredited Temporary Electrical Systems - NA7909-1

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Course description

Course description (please read carefully - new info)

The new NAPIT NA7909(3) is a City & Guilds accredited training programme that replaces the old Skillset Certificate in Temporary Electrical Systems (SCiTES). The course has been created for all of those working with temporary power, particularly (but not exclusively) in the broadcast/film, theatre, festivals, shows and exhibition industries.

THIS COURSE is the single day NAPIT Temporary Electrical Systems accredited by C&G - NA7909-(1): IT IS ONLY FOR THOSE who have already completed the Creative Skillset course and hold a copy of their certificate. It is a practical one-day assessment as the existing Skillset certificate counts as accredited prior learning.

In respect of the course content, the day consists of a taught refresher on the testing and inspection elements of the original Creative Skillset Certificate, followed by a written assessment for inspections of temporary systems. The second part of the day comprises a practical where candidates demonstrate their ability to perform a safe isolation and also to test circuits and verify that satisfactory protective measures are in place.

Background

This earlier Skillset certificate has been incredibly successful and key feedback was that it should include a practical element. This has been taken on board and it now comprises a third day of practical testing and inspection assessment. The existing course plus this new third day has been recognised by City &Guilds and is now available as an accredited training program.

The original SCiTES certificate was developed following a request from a safety group comprising of the major broadcasters, BECTU, PACT, freelance electricians and lighting suppliers, and was the only industry recognised accreditation. To date there are no other training courses of this type that have such industry agreement and following feedback from candidates it’s been decided to add the third practical day, enabling it to be accredited by C&G.

The course should be considered as continuing professional development for those already working in the industry and is not an electrical qualification in its own right.

The original certificate has already been run around the UK and to date over 1300 people have undergone the training. Feedback has been excellent; so far 99% of candidates enjoyed it and would recommend it to their colleagues.

There are now two courses available:

THIS COURSE single day NAPIT Temporary Electrical Systems C&G accredited - NA7909-(1): If you have already completed the Creative Skillset course and hold a copy of your certificate, you only need do this practical one day assessment as the existing Skillset certificate counts as accredited prior learning.

If you haven’t previously completed the Skillset Certificate you will need to do the three-day NAPIT Temporary Electrical Systems City & Guilds Accredited - NA7909-(3). The first two days comprise class-based training with 11 short assessment papers over the two days (the same as the old Creative Skillset certificate). The third day is more practical and includes a written assessment of inspection skills and a practical testing assignment using equipment supplied by the Tutor. All three days run from 9:30 to 17:30.

Tutor James Eade, Chartered Engineer, has worked on live events around the world and continues to get his hands dirty on location. He represents a number of trade associations on British standards committees including BS7909 and BS7671.

I’ve already passed the Skillset certificate. What do I need to do to get the C&G certificate?

You can attend a one-day practical assessment course. If you pass that and can provide your existing Creative Skillset Certificate, you’ll be awarded the C&G.

What’s involved in the extra day course?

This day comprises a short recap on the requirements for testing and inspection and then a practical session on inspecting, typically using visual images which require written responses from the candidate on what they can identify in the pictures. The testing element will comprise a practical rig where candidates can test circuits and verify the operation of protective devices, as well as demonstrate safe isolation practices.

Do I need to do an update course?

If you complete the new three-day course, you will be up to date with the latest changes to the Standards so no additional course will be necessary. If you are doing the one-day course, or just interested in upskilling, it would be beneficial as there are some significant changes to electrical safety requirements since the 17th edition. Although there is no technical requirement to do it, it is an easy method of demonstrating to employers you are up to date with current practices and it is therefore recommended.

How much is it?

As it’s now a C&G accredited course, and an extra day, it is inevitable that costs have increased. The current rates are £495 for the three-day course and £330 for the one-day practical day. Prices are per-candidate and subject to VAT. There will be a minimum number of candidates required for courses to run. These prices are typical of electrical courses for those operating in the commercial and domestic sectors. BECTU members will receive a substantial discount.

What are the entry requirements?

In the spirit of the previous course, there are no barriers to entry. There are no pre-qualification requirements as many working in the industry do not hold formal electrical qualifications and may have learned on the job or through unofficial apprenticeships. Candidates are expected to have working knowledge of electrical basics and to have experience of working in industry.

Can I just do the old Creative Skillset course?

It would be impractical to run the two courses in parallel and it risks confusing industry as it leads to the question from employers of ‘which is the better demonstration of competency’? The new course is better in this respect so we don’t expect many to want to do the old one. For that reason it’ll cease to be delivered in 2018.

I’m already a qualified electrician. Why should I do this?

Existing electrical courses aimed at the domestic and commercial sectors do not provide training in aspects such as management of temporary systems, the application of the testing requirements of BS 7909, RCD selectivity, cable selection, generator operation or earthing requirements for example. While the core electrical theory is the same, the application isn’t, so this course is still recommended, as well as being required by many employers.

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About BECTU

BECTU is the UK's media and entertainment trade union; sectors covered include broadcasting, film, independent production, theatre and the arts, IT and telecoms, live events, leisure and digital media.